How to get rid of bad smells in drains

Gross! What’s that smell? 5 ways to banish bad smells from your drains 

If you’re dealing with a smelly drain, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to banish the stink.

Why Does My Sink Smell?

If your sink is smelling a bit funky, it’s probably due to bacteria build-up from grease, fat and food. These can get stuck in the pipes and cause that familiar rotten egg smell. In bathrooms, a smelly sink can often be caused by stray hairs that become lodged in soap scum lining the drain.

Baking Soda, Vinegar and Boiling Water

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of sink drain smells, try a bubbling mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Just pour the baking soda into the drain, followed by the vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat as needed until the smell is gone.

Baking soda, salt, vinegar, and boiling water

If you’re looking for a way to break up tough gunk in your drain, some readers swear by adding coarse salt to baking soda and vinegar. Just pour the ingredients into the drain in order, cover the drain to trap the bubbles, and let it work for a few seconds. Then flush with boiling water to get rid of any remaining residue.

Use A Plunger

If your drain is smelling bad, using a plunger can help clear it out. Just place the plunger cup over the drain and pump vigorously up and down for at least a minute. This will remove any small blockages. Finally, repeat the boiling water flush to remove any remaining congealed buildup. Be sure to have your plunger handy just in case!

Check The U-Bend

If you’ve tried the above methods and still can’t seem to clear the blockage, it may be that there is a blockage in the U-Bend of your sink. U-bend traps, or waste pipes, are found underneath the plug hole of bathroom basins and baths. A U-Bend waste tube is usually filled with water to prevent drain odors from escaping. The easiest way to clear an obstructed U-Bend is to remove any blockages from it. This can be done by carefully removing the u-bend pipe using a wrench and emptying the containing water. With the aid of a wire brush and a flush of warm water, any remaining residue can be easily swept away.

If you’ve tried all of these things and you’re still dealing with a bad smell, it’s time to call a plumber. There could be a more serious issue causing the stink, and a professional will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.